AQA A-Level Psychology - Approaches with questions and answers.

Anal Stage - 1-3 years Focus of pleasure is the anus. The child gains pleasure form retention and expulsion of faeces. Consequence of unresolved conflict - Anal retentive (perfectionist, obsessive) - Anal expulsive (thoughtless, messy) Assumption of the behaviourist approach - Blank slate All behavior is learnt other than survival instincts Animals can be used in research No difference between man and brute Rejection of introspection Reliant upon lab experiments to maintain control and objectivity 2 forms of learning: classical and operant conditioning. Assumptions of Biological Approach - Everything psychological is at first biological To fully understand behaviour, biological structures within the body must be examinedThese structures include: genes, nervous system and neurochemistry. An understanding of brain structure and function can explain our thoughts and behaviour Assumptions of Cognitive approach - Internal mental processes should be studied scientifically Studies area of human behaviour neglected by behaviourists These include memory, perception and thought These are studied indirectly by making inferences based on a person's behaviour. Assumptions of Psychodynamic approach - Behaviour determined more by psychological than biological factors. Behaviour largely controlled by unconscious part of the mind Assumptions of social learning theory - People learn through *observation and imitation* of others within a social context. Behaviour is learned Learning occurs directly through classical and operant conditioning but also through indirect means (observation)